The Columbus Ballet's Nutcracker plays the RiverCenter Dec. 12-13 with a live orchestra; Frozen runs at the Springer Nov. 28 to Dec. 20. Times and parking.

Last checked Oct. 8, 2026. This page is updated each year at the same address. Dates and times come from The Columbus Ballet, the RiverCenter for the Performing Arts and the Springer Opera House.

Yes, The Nutcracker is on in Columbus this year. The Columbus Ballet dances it at the RiverCenter for the Performing Arts, 900 Broadway, at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12, and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 13, with a live orchestra and singers. RiverCenter box office: 706-256-3612.

The short version

  • The Nutcracker: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12, and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 13, RiverCenter. Two performances only.
  • Disney’s Frozen The Musical: Springer Opera House, Nov. 28 to Dec. 20.
  • Tickets: RiverCenter online box office or 706-256-3612; Springer at 706-327-3688, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays.
  • Parking: the RiverCenter Garage is free.

The Columbus Ballet’s Nutcracker

The Columbus Ballet calls the production a collaborative show and a holiday tradition. It follows Clara and the Nutcracker Prince to the Land of Snow. The orchestra is made up of musicians from the community, including faculty and students from Columbus State University’s Schwob School of Music, conducted by Paul Hostetter. Singers from the Voices of the Valley choir join them, the ballet says.

Performance Time
Saturday, Dec. 12 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 13 2:30 p.m.

Tickets are sold through the RiverCenter’s online box office and at 706-256-3612. Neither the ballet nor the RiverCenter lists prices on its event page.

Arrive early. The RiverCenter asks audiences to arrive at least 30 minutes before showtime.

Other holiday shows

  • Disney’s Frozen The Musical, Springer Opera House mainstage, 103 10th St. Evening shows at 7 p.m. Nov. 28 and Dec. 3, 4, 5, 11, 12, 18 and 19; matinees at 2 p.m. Nov. 28 and 29 and Dec. 6, 12, 13, 19 and 20. The Springer says it suits all ages. A pre-show Small and Tall Snow Ball for children runs before the Dec. 12 and Dec. 19 matinees, $25 a child, booked separately. Springer page.
  • The Twelve Dates of Christmas, a one-woman romantic comedy, Springer Opera House. 7 p.m. Dec. 11, 12, 17, 18 and 19; 2 p.m. Dec. 13 and 20. Springer page.
  • Holidays with The WAVE, holiday music and the Gingerbread Village, 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Dec. 5, RiverCenter. Ticketed. RiverCenter listing.
  • Fort Benning Maneuver Center of Excellence Band Holiday Concert, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, RiverCenter. Free, but you need a ticket from the box office. RiverCenter listing.
  • A Celtic Christmas by A Taste of Ireland, Irish dance and music, 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 15, RiverCenter. RiverCenter listing.

Parking

The RiverCenter says its RiverCenter Garage is free and open 24 hours, with on-street parking on 9th and 10th streets and accessible spaces on Broadway. The Springer Opera House is at 103 10th St. The city’s METRA parking page lists the other Uptown decks. See our getting around Columbus guide and the road construction and closures page before you drive in.

What this means for you

  • The Nutcracker has just two performances this year, Dec. 12 and 13; buy early for the Saturday evening show.
  • The Nutcracker, Frozen and The Twelve Dates of Christmas all play Uptown on the evening of Dec. 12, so allow extra time to park.
  • Families with younger children can pair a Frozen matinee with the Snow Ball on Dec. 12 or Dec. 19.

More: holiday lights and Christmas events, the Christmas parade and tree lighting and arts and exhibitions this month.

Frequently asked questions

When is The Nutcracker in Columbus, Georgia, in 2026?

The Columbus Ballet performs The Nutcracker at the RiverCenter for the Performing Arts at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12, and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 13, 2026.

Where do I buy tickets for the Columbus Ballet’s Nutcracker?

Through the RiverCenter box office online or at 706-256-3612. The RiverCenter is at 900 Broadway in Uptown Columbus.

Does the Columbus Nutcracker have a live orchestra?

Yes. The ballet says the orchestra is drawn from the community, including faculty and students of Columbus State University’s Schwob School of Music, conducted by Paul Hostetter, with singers from the Voices of the Valley choir.

What other holiday shows are in Columbus this December?

Disney’s Frozen The Musical runs at the Springer Opera House Nov. 28 to Dec. 20, The Twelve Dates of Christmas plays the Springer Dec. 11-20, and A Celtic Christmas by A Taste of Ireland is at the RiverCenter on Dec. 15.